Don’t just read the story, see the story! Vanguard University’s photojournalism students have captured the heart of the message “your story matters” by using photography.

Join Vanguard University’s photojournalism class for a gallery reception on Wednesday, April 24 that will feature student photography in their “Your Story Matters: A Photography Student’s Perspective” projects.

The reception will be held in the Great Commission Hall at Vanguard University starting at 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to view student photography and see community member’s stories while enjoying refreshments.

Photojournalism Professor Chauncey Bayes challenged his photojournalism students to grab their cameras and find the untold stories of individuals in the Vanguard community. After weeks of photographing their chosen individual, each student developed picture stories describing the life of the person they chose.

One photojournalism student, junior communications major Kristen Achziger, captured the story of a Vanguard student who started a motel ministry to reach homeless residents in one of Costa Mesa’s smallest motels. The student, junior sociology major Jenna Marek, founded the ministry to focus on building relationships with these residents and inviting them to church. When describing how she found and chose Marek, Achziger said: “It was completely by accident, but it was a great accident.”

This project was a great opportunity to create artwork for a “higher purpose… To use our art for something greater,” Achziger said. She described the project as an opportunity to document the stories of many unique individuals of the Vanguard University community. Excited for attendees to experience the impact of these snapshots, Achziger said: “Photography is an especially powerful tool in sharing peoples’ stories.”

To learn more about the Department of Communication at Vanguard University, including courses like photojournalism, visit vanguard.edu/communication.